Complex Simplicity

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From the beginning to the end the narrative is rich in simplicity, so that even a child can grasp the truth of its stories. Yet it is so profound in its exposition of great theological themes that it has challenged the best of thinking minds and inspired the greatest of artistic genius. The stories are varied enough to apply to the king who hosted a feast; to the politician who sought the best seat in the banquet; to the athlete who ran a race; to the soldier who went to war; to the widow who lacked any income; to the shepherd who lost his sheep; to the father of a wayward son; to the fisherman who cast his nets; to the needy who longed for acceptance. - Ravi Zacharias
I was asked of a question once by a sister on how can people know the truth in the bible when the bible was so deep and when people's interpretation of the bible can be so varied and different. I believe that in the quote that I have provided from Ravi Zacharias lies part of the answer to the dilemma that a lot of people might face when it comes to the bible.

The Scripture says that the word of God is living and active like a double edged sword which penetrate both the bones and marrows. It says that all Scriptures are God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. By implication, in some sense, the truths written in the Scripture are easily understood by the kids in Sunday Schools. Nonetheless, we know that things can become very complicated when we dig deeper.

My conviction about the Word is this, as Ravi pointed out, that the biblical narratives are often simple enough such that the Holy Spirit can point us to the truth hidden within without us going into very deep theological studies into the historical background and contexts, but the truths within are so vast that it is literally impossible not to know the truth at a more intimate level without venturing into the realm of theological study. That is why in almost most churches that I know of, bible study is an integral part of the church discipleship, where people sit down to study and discuss the bible together.

After years of reading the bible, one ought to feel that the more one seems to know about the Scripture, the more he will realise that there are more things he has yet to come to terms and grip with. The understanding of the Scripture, I believe, is a lifelong pursuit worth pursuing. It is simple and yet complex.

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